Essex took a huge step towards the NatWest Pro40 Second Division title with a comprehensive 130-run win over Glamorgan at Colchester.

In response to a total of 231-9, the Welsh county were dismissed for a meagre 101 in 30.4 overs - Jamie Dalrymple (51) scoring more than half of the visitors' total.

Captain Mark Pettini led from the front after Essex were asked to bat first by Dragons skipper David Hemp.

Pettini smashed a 61-ball 71 at the top of the order, and despite England duo Alastair Cook (11) and Ravi Bopara (12) both failing, veteran Grant Flower took up the mantle superbly.

Ducks

Flower made a patient 53 in the middle-order as James Foster (23) offered some acceleration late on to help the Eagles up to a challenging 231-9.

The Dragons response got off to the worst possible start when openers Robert Croft and David Hemp fell for ducks as David Masters and Graham Napier struck in their first overs.

They were quickly followed by Tom Maynard (4), another victim of Napier, with only five on the board and as the Essex bowlers continued to strengthen their grip, two more wickets fell before the 50 was raised in the 20th over.

Dalrymple fought back bravely with 51 from 83 deliveries, but he lacked any support as Essex powered to victory and extended their unbeaten run to six games in the competition.